Are you hoping to advance your career in Estonia? Then, Estonia work visa is your gateway! Welcome to a country known for its stunning natural beauty and innovative economy. Estonia is a country where ambitious professionals can create the life they want, surrounded by beautiful scenery and a good standard of living.
It’s interesting to know that this gorgeous nation is eager to attract foreign hands because it has an extremely developed tech industry and is short of skilled professionals. To assist with this, the government possesses a working visa program that simplifies the application process for non-citizens. Skilled professionals can settle and work in Estonia using this visa to improve the economy of the country. So what are you waiting for? New opportunities await!
Who Needs an Estonian Work Visa?
Anyone from outside of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who wishes to work in Estonia must apply for a work visa (D visa). If you intend to stay for more than a year after receiving a work visa, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can work in Estonia without a work visa application. During the first three months of their stay, they are required to apply for an ID card during the first month of their arrival in Estonia and register as an Estonian resident in the Population Register of Estonia.
Benefits of Working in Estonia
Here are the advantages of working in Estonia:
1. Government Healthcare
Every employee in Estonia is entitled to public health care, which starts 14 days after work begins and lasts for two months after termination. Employers register workers with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board using the employee's details.
2. Unemployment Insurance
All workers must be covered by unemployment insurance to receive benefits if they are laid off due to employer insolvency or collective redundancy. Presently, the employee contributes 1.6% of their income and other compensation to unemployment insurance.
3. Legislated Leaves
The yearly vacation lasts for 28 days; however, several professions, including state and municipal government officials, academics, teachers, and pedagogical and scientific professionals, are eligible for a longer vacation. Unpaid leave may be offered to an employee upon request for a duration determined by the parties' agreement. These leaves include maternity, parental, and sickness leaves.
4. Gymnasiums
While smaller companies could provide gym subsidies or access to a gym with reduced corporate rates, very large enterprises can offer on-site facilities. Employee health support has long been a popular trend. Smaller perks like fruit in the workplace are available, but many firms also cover gym memberships and encourage staff members to participate in marathons and other sporting events.
5. Working Hours
One of the biggest advantages of working in Estonia is the five-day workweek, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workers are expected to work 40 hours a week, which is the typical workweek in many nations. Furthermore, every Estonian employee is entitled to 28 days of paid leave annually. Thus, employees can take advantage of a great work-life balance and have plenty of time to travel and see the nation.
6. Safety and Security
Estonia is one of the world's cleanest countries. Its low crime rate makes it a secure location to live and work. The country also has a low danger of scams, muggings, pickpocketing, and other crimes.
7. Minimum Wage
Estonia's minimum wage is €584 per month. The income tax rate in Estonia is 20%, which is also less than that of various other European nations. As a result, Estonian workers are able to retain a larger portion of their earnings and have more money available for expenses like accommodation, food, and entertainment.
Estonia Work Visa Eligibility
You must fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for an Estonian work visa:
- You must have a passport or other travel document that is valid for at least three months following the visa's expiration date.
- You must have the experience and qualifications needed for the position.
- Your employer must first register you with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
- You must have current travel insurance that will cover you while you are in Estonia.
- You need a job offer from an Estonian employer
- You must be in good health condition.
Documents Required for an Estonian Work Application
Estonia's work visa requirements include the following:
- A valid passport
- Two passport-size photographs
- Application form
- Proof of payment for visa application
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Cover letter
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Work contract
- Personal qualification documents
The documents need to be translated into English or Estonian and notarized or authenticated. Remember that the Estonian embassy may ask for more documentation; fulfill their requests completely, as any missing paperwork could result in the denial of your visa.
How to Apply for Estonia Work Visa
Here's the application process for an Estonian work visa:
Register the Employment in Estonia
Your employer is required to register your temporary work in Estonia. You can work in Estonia with this document until you have your residency permit. You'll need to provide your employer with a copy of your passport, photo, and other necessary personal information in order for them to apply for your short-term employment register. You will then be given your ID code, which is an 11-digit number that is used in Estonia to identify your personal information.
Apply for the Work Visa at an Estonian Consulate/Embassy
You must first schedule an appointment with the Estonian embassy or consulate that is closest to you in your home country. Make sure to appear on time because you might have to have an interview during your visa appointment. The next step is to gather and turn in all the necessary documents at the Estonian embassy. The documentation must be complete and meet all embassy standards. Wait for a response once you have completed all the necessary steps. The embassy or consulate will get back to you with the outcome of your visa application. They'll get in touch with you by text or email.
Apply for a Residence Permit
Once in Estonia, you need to schedule a meeting at the Police Border Guard Border to submit your application for an Estonian residence permit. You must personally present all needed documentation to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB). After that, you must register your residency either online here or in person at the PBGB.
Processing Time for Estonia Work Visa
An Estonian work visa takes 30 days to process. However, processing time might be extended because it depends on several factors. For instance, your case, political factors, or application timing all play a role. If you apply during the summer or holidays, the embassy may extend the processing period due to the high volume of applicants.
Estonia Work Visa Fees
Estonia is one of the cheapest work visa countries with a very high job demand. A work visa in Estonia costs €100 ($104). You have the option of paying with a card or cash. You must pay for your visa application when you provide the necessary paperwork to the embassy or consulate in your country of origin.
Extension of Estonia Work Visa
If your work visa is about to expire, you have at least three working days to extend it in Estonia. Then, be sure to personally deliver your application to any Estonian Police and Border Guard Board office.
Can I Bring my Family Members to Estonia on a Work Visa?
If you have an Estonian work visa, you are allowed to bring your family. Your relatives are permitted to live in Estonia, work, and pursue education. These family members include:
- Your cohabiting partner
- Your spouse
- Your child
- Your relatives (older than 65) with health issues
Estonia Residence Permit
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who intend to remain in Estonia for more than a year are granted an Estonian temporary residence permit. The temporary residency permit is valid for a maximum of five years and permits you to live, work, and study in Estonia. Once you have been in Estonia for five years with a temporary residency permit, you can apply for an indefinite-stay permanent residency permit.
Estonia Work Residence Permit Requirements
- Two photographs
- A valid passport
- Application form
- Proof of paid fee
- Proof of accommodation
- Financial statements
- Fingerprints
How to Apply for the Residence Permit
Here are the steps to follow to apply for your work residence permit:
- Your employer must first apply for your employment authorization in Estonia.
- You have to go to the Estonian embassy in your place of residence to apply for a work visa.
- Once in Estonia, you can apply at the Police Border Guard Border for a temporary residency permit.
Processing Time for Estonia Work Residence Permit
An Estonian temporary residency permit takes two to three months to process. The Police Border Guard Border will respond to your application for a temporary residence permit by email or text message. The duration of an Estonian temporary residency permit is five years. You can, however, extend your temporary residency visa for an additional ten years.
Conclusion
There you have it – everything about Estonia work visa. With the country's innovative economy and stunning landscapes, it is an attractive destination for professionals. Securing a work visa can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, you can navigate the process and start building your career in this Baltic gem.
